Adler Mannheim one win from DEL playoff final after 4-1 victory over EHC Red Bull München
Adler Mannheim moved to the brink of the DEL playoffs final with a 4-1 win over EHC Red Bull München, taking a 3-0 series lead in the semifinals of the DEL playoffs.
Mannheim takes 3-0 series lead with 4-1 win
Adler Mannheim beat EHC Red Bull München 4-1 in Game 3, extending their semifinal advantage to 3-0. The match ended with period scores 0-0, 1-0 and 3-1, with Mannheim breaking the game open in the final period.
Justin Schütz opened the scoring at the 40th minute and added a second goal in the 52nd, while Anthony Greco and Tom Kühnhackl completed the scoring late in the third. The result gives Mannheim a chance to close the series in Munich in the next scheduled game.
Justin Schütz provides the difference in a tight contest
National forward Justin Schütz emerged as the decisive figure, converting a chance immediately after the second intermission and again early in the third period. His two goals changed the tempo and forced Munich to chase the match tactically.
Mannheim tightened defensively after taking the lead and limited München’s opportunities in open play. Greco and Kühnhackl’s late goals sealed the win and underscored Mannheim’s depth scoring in critical moments.
Adler can seal the series in Munich on Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Mannheim will have the first opportunity to complete the sweep in Game 4 on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 19:30 CET and coverage on MagentaSport. The team travels to Munich carrying momentum but also caution, with players and staff noting the pressure of a potential series clincher.
Defenceman Leon Gawanke said on MagentaSport that the club still needs one more victory and acknowledged the psychological and tactical challenge of closing out a series. A 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven is historically commanding, and Mannheim will seek to convert that advantage on Munich ice.
Eisbären Berlin take 2-1 lead against Kölner Haie
In the other semifinal pairing, title-holders Eisbären Berlin pushed ahead in their series with a 4-2 home win over Kölner Haie, taking a 2-1 advantage. Berlin controlled the tempo for much of the match after an opening period of missed chances.
Leonhard Pföderl netted the first goal on a power play in the 23rd minute, giving Berlin the initial cushion. Jonas Müller and Lester Lancaster added goals in the second and early third periods to extend the lead to 3-0.
Late Cologne rally falls short as Pföderl seals result
Kölner Haie fought back with goals from Dominik Bokk (53′) and Oliwer Kaski (56′), narrowing the margin and creating a tense finish. The visitors pulled goaltender Janne Juvonen for an extra attacker in the closing minutes, but Pföderl struck into an empty net in the 58th minute to restore a two-goal buffer.
The late exchanges were physical and at times heated, but Berlin’s ability to respond to Cologne’s pressure preserved the home victory. The result gives Eisbären a two-games-to-one series lead as both clubs prepare for the next meeting.
Tactical trends and momentum ahead of Game 4s
Both ties show contrasting narratives: Mannheim’s series is dominated by a single team asserting control, while Berlin and Cologne are engaged in a tighter, more contested duel. Mannheim’s recent performances have combined timely scoring from secondary lines with conservative defensive structure, limiting opponents’ high-danger chances.
Berlin has shown the capacity to generate pressure and convert on special teams, but Cologne’s late comeback signals resilience that could shape the remainder of that semifinal. Coaches on both sides will likely make adjustments to matchups, power-play units and goaltending strategies before the next games.
Mannheim now faces the practical and psychological task of finishing the job on the road, while Eisbären and Kölner Haie must manage momentum swings and fatigue in a rapidly moving playoff calendar.
With Game 4 in Munich set for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, both series enter a pivotal phase that will determine home-ice dynamics and potential pathways to the DEL final. Mannheim’s chance to reach the championship round looms large, and Berlin’s lead over Cologne offers both advantage and fresh pressure.
The semifinals have delivered a mix of decisive team performances and tightly contested matches, setting up a compelling stretch of fixtures in the DEL playoffs as clubs pursue the league title.
